Tag: internal-eafs

With No Team in the World Cup, China’s Fans Celebrate a Referee

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Most fans watching Curaçao’s 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Saturday night focused on the Curaçaoan goalkeeper, whose 15-save effort was compared to some of the greatest displays in World Cup history. But for some fans in China, the main draw of the match was the tournament debut of Ma Ning, 47, the World Cup’s highest-ranking Chinese referee. Because China did not qualify for the World Cup, Ma has become the country’s de facto representative at the tournament. His popularity has given him an unusually high-profile turn in a role that…

Stephen Curry and Li-Ning: What to Know About N.B.A. Star’s Deal With Chinese Sneaker Company

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The announcement by Stephen Curry, one of pro basketball’s biggest stars, that he had signed a major endorsement deal with the Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning raises the profile of a company that has lacked the cachet of Western brands like Nike or Adidas. The agreement, which Mr. Curry announced on Monday, is set to give the N.B.A. star access to China’s enormous consumer base, while offering Li-Ning its biggest ever inroad into the U.S. sportswear market. Under the partnership, Mr. Curry, the N.B.A.’s three-point record-holder and point guard for the…